The city of Chelsea is hopping with visitors thanks to the one of the city's largest events of the year, Sounds & Sights Festival. which kicked off Thursday night. The event will feature live music from the main stage in the "Social Tent," live music from 7 to 11 p.m., behind the Common Grill each night. The festival itself begins at 6 p.m.

The festival features activities for the whole family, including music, magic and science for kids at the KidZone behind the Clocktower on Main Street, and the annual Sounds & Sights Car Show on East Middle, East, and Harrison streets, hosted by the Chelsea Classic Cruisers.

On Main and on Middle streets, the Art Market houses vendors from noon until 8 p.m. both Friday and Saturday selling jewelry, clothing, lamps, pottery, and more.

"I love small towns, and everybody is so nice here," said Kerrie Moyer, owner of the K3 Creating booth.

Moyer describes her work as eclectic, multimedia jewelry and custom home decor such as mirrors and sun catchers.

Barb Miller-Brief is a photographer who said this isn't the first time she's come to the festival.

"Good sales and nice people keep me coming back," said Miller-Brief, who sells prints, place mats and greeting cards with her photographs that feature landmarks and landscapes from Michigan.

Some residents like Beth Kalmbach have been coming to the festival since they were children. She said like the combination of art and sales.

"We always come to the festival, and like that there are things for kids to do," said Steve Kimcer from Grass Lake, who was sitting at a picnic table in the food court on Middle Street enjoying hot dogs with his two daughters.

For the Girl Scouts of Troop 796, the festival provides a welcoming place to hold a bake sale and raise money for an important cause.

"We chose to support the Starry Skies Equine Rescue and Sanctuary in Scio Township because they help find good homes for horses," said Girl Scout Sarah Gilbreath. "The festival is a good way to talk to a lot of people."

The Sounds & Sights Festival is an annual summer weekend event that began more than 30 years ago. All activities take place in downtown Chelsea.

Want to experience more going on in Chelsea? Saturday is the day to do it. A weekly farmers market takes place from 8 a.m. to noon, just off Main Street on Park Street. From 10 to 11 a.m., you can catch a pet parade beginning at the train depot.

The KidZone will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clocktower Complex, and chalk-art demonstrations from noon to 4 p.m. on East Middle Street as well.The Art Market will be operating from noon to 8 p.m. and there is a guided walking tour beginning at 1 p.m. at the Chelsea Depot, at 125 Jackson St. The Social Tent opens at 1 p.m. Saturday with live music from 2 to 5 p.m., then reopens at 6 p.m. with live music from 7-11 p.m.